Culebrillas is a natural and archaeological Reserve that has no equal. The sacred lagoon, for example, presents on its shore constructive remnants known as Culebrillas walls. The lagoon is located at the foot of the Yanaurcu Hill and the archaeological site extends around it. The site is approximately 20 km. northeast of Cañar, on a small plateau of the mountain range of Azuay.

The dimensions of the lagoon are 1,350 m long, 455 m width and a depth of 19.20 m at its central part, measures that have changed over time by the increasing of water and the accumulation of sediments. This space was considered sacred by the ancient Cañari population. The tradition and history gave to this place the importance of have been considered a significant center of worship, of this Confederation. It possibly was the most importer adoration center. It’s proved that at certain times of the year and special ceremonies were thrown inside the lagoon symbolic pieces of gold and silver.

The climate is typical of high mountains, with strong winds and thick fog. It is not confirm if its creation is natural or was the work of ancient cañaris.

On December 17, 1978, were discovered stairs inside the Culebrillas lagoon, 30 meters from the drain. On January 25, 1987 was found a sidewalk of stone, 4 m long and 0.80 meters wide. In this same place were discovered the ruins of a construction of carved stone: 11 meters long and 7 meters wide and more archaeological ruins. These discoveries, and the subsequent, validate the importance the place had for the cañaris.

The archaeological ruins of Culebrillas are mostly solid construction with cut and carved andesite rock blocks placed one above other, forming natural rows. The blocks were joined together with mortar of black and yellow land.

According to the style of construction of the architectural elements and varied infrastructure, it has been considered that the archaeological site of Culebrillas was built by the Cañari Lordship and later used and adapted by Incas, between the 500 and 1.532 A.C.